# StartWatch vs Simple Diary, Journal, Notes

The clearest difference is ads: StartWatch at none against Simple Diary, Journal, Notes's shown. StartWatch also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and device support (4 vs 2). Simple Diary, Journal, Notes's advantage is ratings volume (189 vs 49) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for StartWatch against 4.8 for Simple Diary, Journal, Notes. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 49 and 189 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 86% of StartWatch's written reviews are positive against 84% of Simple Diary, Journal, Notes's.

StartWatch ships an update every 3 weeks, Simple Diary, Journal, Notes fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StartWatch | Simple Diary, Journal, Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824/reviews) | **[4.8 (189 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-diary-journal-notes/id1564645368/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 49 | **189** |
| Positive reviews | **85.7% of reviews** | 84.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 19 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Apostol & Hall](https://appshunter.io/developer/320592318) | [Futoshi Niiho](https://appshunter.io/developer/1545504639) |

## What reviewers say

### StartWatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824)

This app allows you to start a stopwatch instantly and then convert it into a timer. You can run multiple timers and stopwatches simultaneously, with options to customize display and track past events. It offers advanced features like markers and live activities for efficient time management.

**Highlights:** Instant stopwatch start, Convert stopwatch to timer, Run multiple timers/stopwatches, Customize display units, History and undo functionality, Markers for elapsed time, Live Activities with Dynamic Island

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simple Diary, Journal, Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-diary-journal-notes/id1564645368)

This app offers a straightforward and aesthetically pleasing way to maintain a daily journal. Designed for users seeking simplicity, it avoids complex settings for an intuitive and stress-free journaling experience.

**Highlights:** Simple daily diary keeping, Easy-to-use interface, Beautiful and clean design, Intuitive management, Stress-free journaling

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and efficient
- 📝 Convenient for quick note-taking
- 🗓️ Automatic date tracking
- 📷 Ability to attach photos
- 🔒 Password protection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔤 Unable to adjust font size
- 🐛 Occasional data loss or disappearing entries
- 🖼️ Photo attachment process can be cumbersome

**Reported bugs**

- Entries disappearing without explanation
- Crashes or freezes after recent update
- Issues with photo attachment and display

**Requested features**

- Allow editing of existing entries
- Display time of each entry
- Ability to change font style
- Option to print or export diary entries
- Calendar view with ability to navigate between months


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StartWatch free?

StartWatch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simple Diary, Journal, Notes free?

Simple Diary, Journal, Notes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StartWatch or Simple Diary, Journal, Notes?

Simple Diary, Journal, Notes is rated higher. StartWatch averages 4.7 out of 5 from 49 ratings, while Simple Diary, Journal, Notes averages 4.8 from 189 ratings.

### Do StartWatch or Simple Diary, Journal, Notes have ads?

Simple Diary, Journal, Notes shows ads; StartWatch does not.

### Which is updated more often, StartWatch or Simple Diary, Journal, Notes?

StartWatch ships an update every 3 weeks, and Simple Diary, Journal, Notes fortnightly. Most recently, StartWatch was updated on October 27, 2026 and Simple Diary, Journal, Notes on October 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*